It is also aimed at providing critical support for employees facing personal and professional challenges that may hinder their performance.

The initiative, which was launched in Accra yesterday, was premised on the stressful nature of the healthcare environment, from the unpredictable nature of emergency rooms to high stakes of patient care, among other challenges.

It will, therefore, offer solution-focused counselling and guidance on various personal and professional challenges that may hinder performance such as relationships, trauma and substance abuse, gambling, drug, and other addictions.

Others include financial problems, anxiety disorders, mental health issues, communication problems, legal issues and coping with change, among others. An advisory committee was also inaugurated to ensure the effective implementation of the programme.

Rationale

The Chief Executive of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Dr Opoku Ware Ampomah, said: “Korle Bu currently has over 8,000 staff members, and we recognise the diverse and often complex challenges they face without adequate support mechanisms”.

“Some of them have personal and social issues that significantly impact their performance at their jobs. In very sensitive areas of the job, losing concentration can be disastrous for another human being. It is, therefore, important that we provide such support to help them,” he added.

Dr Ampomah further said that “management prioritises the well-being of our staff, that is why we introduced a 100 per cent Medicare scheme.  “At the moment, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital is the only government hospital providing 100 per cent medical care to staff,” he said, while urging management of the programme to adhere strictly to confidentiality.

Stakeholders such as the World Health Organisation, the Ministry of Health and the Mental Health Authority have all welcomed the initiative and pledged their support for its success.

Motivation

In a speech read on her behalf, the Chief Executive Officer of the Mental Health Authority, Prof. Pinaman Apau, said that the initiative would not only ensure staff satisfaction, but would also motivate other institutions to adopt similar programmes for their workers.

She, therefore, expressed confidence in the EAP and reiterated the authority’s support for its successful implementation.